This oven baked chicken curry is the only dish you need if you’re searching for something tasty and simple to make. Tender chicken, flavorful spices, and a decadent sauce are combined in this recipe and roasted to perfection in the oven. This recipe is sure to please, whether you’re preparing for a family meal or entertaining guests.
Oven Baked Chicken Curry Ingredients
To create a delicious oven baked chicken curry, you will need the following ingredients:
Chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in for more flavor)
Onions
Garlic
Ginger
Tomatoes (fresh or canned)
Coconut milk
Vegetable oil or ghee
Curry powder or a blend of spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric)
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Salt and pepper
Optional: chili peppers for heat
Optional: lemon juice for brightness
Optional: peas or bell peppers for added vegetables
Oven Baked Chicken Curry Recipe
Preparing the Chicken
Choose your chicken first. For this dish, bone-in thighs work best since they keep their taste and moisture content when baking. You can also use boneless cuts; simply change the cooking time to suit your preference.
Marinade the chicken next. Add the yogurt, turmeric, coriander, cumin, curry powder, salt, and pepper to a bowl. The yogurt softens the chicken while simultaneously imparting flavor. Thoroughly coat the chicken pieces with this mixture. Let it marinate for at least half an hour, but if you have time, marinating it in the fridge for an entire night will bring out the best flavors.
Making the Curry Sauce
Make the curry sauce while the chicken is marinating. In a large ovenproof saucepan, start by heating the vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and cook until they start to caramelize and turn transparent. This step gives your curry more flavor.
Add the ginger and garlic, minced, to the pot next. Sauté until aromatic, about one more minute. In many curries, the combination of ginger and garlic creates a strong base that enhances the whole dish. This is the moment to add chopped chili peppers if your curry is hot. Add your tomatoes and stir. If you are using fresh tomatoes, slice them into little pieces. If you are using canned tomatoes, just pour them in.
Simmer this mixture until the tomatoes break down and it becomes somewhat thicker. Usually, this procedure takes five to seven minutes. A rich consistency that will adhere to your chicken excellently is what you want to aim for.
When the mixture has thickened, add the coconut milk and whisk thoroughly to create a creamy sauce. Richness and a lovely counterbalance to the spices are provided by coconut milk. Consider adding a dash of lemon juice at this point to add even more taste; it brightens the meal and brings out all those wonderful flavors.
Mixing the Chicken with the Sauce
It’s time to mix your sauce with the marinated chicken once it’s done. Add the marinated chicken pieces to the sauce-filled cooker. Make sure the sauce coats every piece well. To get the right consistency, add a little water if needed. The sauce shouldn’t be too thick to stick to the chicken while baking, but it should be thick enough to adhere to it.
To keep the moisture in the pot during baking, cover it with a lid or aluminum foil. This will let the chicken absorb all those delicious spices and help cook it more evenly.
Cooking in the Oven
Turn the oven on to 375°F, or 190°C. After preheating, put your covered pot in the oven and bake for forty-five to sixty minutes. Depending on the size of your chicken pieces, the cooking time may change. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Remove the foil or lid halfway through baking to allow the curry’s top to caramelize slightly and take on a delicious texture. Additionally, by allowing some of the moisture to escape, this process enhances the flavors even more.
Including Vegetables
For individuals seeking to enhance their meal’s nutritional value, contemplate using veggies like bell peppers or peas in the final 15 minutes of baking. These vegetables improve texture and nutritional value in addition to adding color. Just toss them into the curry and put it back in the oven, uncovered.
See also: Korean oxtail stew
Serving Suggestions
Once baked to perfection, remove your oven baked chicken curry from the oven. Before serving, let it sit for a few minutes to enable the flavors to mingle harmoniously.
This meal tastes great with warm naan bread or over steamed basmati rice. To counterbalance the thick curry flavors, you may also think of pairing it with a light green salad or a cool cucumber raita.
Serve your curry in shallow bowls with freshly chopped cilantro and maybe some thinly sliced red onion for crunch for an extra sense of elegance.
How to Keep Leftovers
It is uncommon but possible to have leftovers. If so, keep them in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. Portions can also be frozen for consumption at a later time; just make sure they cool fully before freezing.
Reheating leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave should be done carefully until they are thoroughly heated. If necessary, warming with a dash of water or coconut milk might help bring back the creamy texture.
Different Takes on This Recipe
Curry’s adaptability is one of its great qualities! Here are a few variations to think about:
Version for vegetarians: For a filling vegetarian alternative, try paneer cheese or chickpeas in place of the chicken.
distinct Proteins: To get a distinct flavor profile, try using lamb or beef in instead of chicken.
Modifications to the spice: For a fragrant culinary experience, try experimenting with different spice combinations like garam masala or using whole spices like cardamom pods and cloves.
Regional Twists: Depending on your taste, add local ingredients like mango chutney for sweetness or tamarind paste for tartness.
In summary
In addition to being very easy, oven baked chicken curry is also very satisfying. When you cook, the aromas created by the spices combine to fill your kitchen with pleasant smells. This recipe may be prepared by anyone, regardless of expertise level, and yields great results.
